Cellular signal booster with redundant paths for the same selected band

ABSTRACT

A technology is described for a signal booster. The signal booster can include a selected number of uplink transmission paths. Each uplink transmission path can be configured to amplify an uplink signal on a selected band. The signal booster can include a selected number of downlink transmission paths. Each downlink transmission path can be configured to amplify a downlink signal on a selected band. One or more of the selected number of uplink transmission paths or the selected number of downlink transmission paths can include multiple parallel signal paths that are redundant for a same selected band, respectively.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/354,802 filed Nov. 17, 2016 , which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/256,584, filed Nov. 17, 2015, the entire specifications of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Signal boosters, or signal repeaters, can be used to increase thequality of wireless communication between a wireless device and awireless communication access point, such as a cell tower. Signalboosters can improve the quality of the wireless communication byamplifying, filtering, and/or applying other processing techniques touplink and downlink signals communicated between the wireless device andthe wireless communication access point.

As an example, the signal booster can receive, via an antenna, downlinksignals from the wireless communication access point. The signal boostercan amplify the downlink signal and then provide an amplified downlinksignal to the wireless device. In other words, the signal booster canact as a relay between the wireless device and the wirelesscommunication access point. As a result, the wireless device can receivea stronger signal from the wireless communication access point.Similarly, uplink signals from the wireless device (e.g., telephonecalls and other data) can be directed to the signal booster. The signalbooster can amplify the uplink signals before communicating, via theantenna, the uplink signals to the wireless communication access point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from thedetailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example,features of the disclosure; and, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cellular signal booster in communication with awireless device and a base station in accordance with an example;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cellular signal booster configured to amplifyuplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals of a particular frequency bandusing a series of amplifiers and band pass filters in accordance with anexample;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cellular signal booster configured to amplifyuplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals using a separate signal path foreach UL frequency band and DL frequency band in accordance with anexample;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cellular signal booster configured to amplifyuplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals using one or more downlink signalpaths and one or more uplink signal paths in accordance with an example;

FIG. 5 illustrates a main cellular signal booster configured to amplifyuplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals and a secondary cellular signalbooster configured to amplify additional signals in accordance with anexample;

FIG. 6 illustrates a main cellular signal booster configuration toamplify uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals and a secondary cellularsignal booster configured to amplify additional signals in accordancewith an example;

FIG. 7 illustrates a handheld booster in communication with a wirelessdevice in accordance with an example;

FIG. 8 depicts functionality of a signal booster in accordance with anexample;

FIG. 9 depicts functionality of a multi-chain signal booster inaccordance with an example; and

FIG. 10 depicts a flowchart of at least one non-transitory machinereadable storage medium having instructions embodied thereon forperforming network protection at a controller of a signal booster inaccordance with an example.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, andspecific language will be used herein to describe the same. It willnevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that this invention is not limited to the particularstructures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but isextended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by thoseordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understoodthat terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describingparticular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. The samereference numerals in different drawings represent the same element.Numbers provided in flow charts and processes are provided for clarityin illustrating steps and operations and do not necessarily indicate aparticular order or sequence.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

An initial overview of technology embodiments is provided below and thenspecific technology embodiments are described in further detail later.This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding thetechnology more quickly but is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the technology nor is it intended to limit thescope of the claimed subject matter.

Technology is described for a signal booster that includes a selectednumber of uplink transmission paths and a selected number of downlinktransmission paths. The signal booster can also be referred to as arepeater or a signal repeater. Each uplink transmission path can beconfigured to amplify an uplink signal at a selected band, and eachdownlink transmission path can be configured to amplify a downlinksignal at a selected band. In one example, the selected number of uplinktransmission paths in the signal booster does not equal the selectednumber of downlink transmission paths in the signal booster. In oneconfiguration, the signal booster can include a controller operable toperform network protection in order to protect a cellular network fromoverload or noise floor increase. The controller can adjust a gain ornoise power for each band in the selected number of uplink transmissionpaths based on data from each band in the selected number of downlinktransmission paths. More specifically, in order to protect the cellularnetwork from overload or noise floor increase, the controller canidentify a booster station coupling loss (BSCL) or a received signalstrength indication (RSSI) for each band in the selected number ofdownlink transmission paths. The controller can identify one or moredownlink transmission paths that correspond to a minimum BSCL or RSSIfor each band as compared to other downlink transmission paths in thesignal booster. The controller can adjust an uplink gain or noise powerfor each band in the selected number of uplink transmission paths basedon the minimum BSCL or RSSI for each band.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary cellular signal booster 120 incommunication with a wireless device 110 and a base station 130. Thecellular signal booster 120 (also referred to as a cellular signalamplifier) can improve the quality of wireless communication byamplifying, filtering, and/or applying other processing techniques via asignal amplifier 122 to uplink signals communicated from the wirelessdevice 110 to the base station 130 and/or downlink signals communicatedfrom the base station 130 to the wireless device 110. In other words,the cellular signal booster 120 can amplify or boost uplink signalsand/or downlink signals bi-directionally. In one example, the cellularsignal booster 120 can be at a fixed location, such as in a home oroffice. Alternatively, the cellular signal booster 120 can be attachedto a mobile object, such as a vehicle or a wireless device 110.

In one configuration, the cellular signal booster 120 can include anintegrated device antenna 124 (e.g., an inside antenna or a couplingantenna) and an integrated node antenna 126 (e.g., an outside antenna).The integrated node antenna 126 can receive the downlink signal from thebase station 130. The downlink signal can be provided to the signalamplifier 122 via a second coaxial cable 127 or other type of radiofrequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals.The signal amplifier 122 can include one or more cellular signalamplifiers for amplification and filtering. The downlink signal that hasbeen amplified and filtered can be provided to the integrated deviceantenna 124 via a first coaxial cable 125 or other type of radiofrequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals.The integrated device antenna 124 can wirelessly communicate thedownlink signal that has been amplified and filtered to the wirelessdevice 110.

Similarly, the integrated device antenna 124 can receive an uplinksignal from the wireless device 110. The uplink signal can be providedto the signal amplifier 122 via the first coaxial cable 125 or othertype of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radiofrequency signals. The signal amplifier 122 can include one or morecellular signal amplifiers for amplification and filtering. The uplinksignal that has been amplified and filtered can be provided to theintegrated node antenna 126 via the second coaxial cable 127 or othertype of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radiofrequency signals. The integrated device antenna 126 can communicate theuplink signal that has been amplified and filtered to the base station130.

In one example, the cellular signal booster 120 can send uplink signalsto a node and/or receive downlink signals from the node. The node cancomprise a wireless wide area network (WWAN) access point (AP), a basestation (BS), an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a remoteradio head (RRH), a remote radio equipment (RRE), a relay station (RS),a radio equipment (RE), a remote radio unit (RRU), a central processingmodule (CPM), or another type of WWAN access point.

In one configuration, the cellular signal booster 120 used to amplifythe uplink and/or a downlink signal is a handheld booster. The handheldbooster can be implemented in a sleeve of the wireless device 110. Thewireless device sleeve may be attached to the wireless device 110, butmay be removed as needed. In this configuration, the cellular signalbooster 120 can automatically power down or cease amplification when thewireless device 110 approaches a particular base station. In otherwords, the cellular signal booster 120 may determine to stop performingsignal amplification when the quality of uplink and/or downlink signalsis above a defined threshold based on a location of the wireless device110 in relation to the base station 130.

In one example, the cellular signal booster 120 can include a battery toprovide power to various components, such as the signal amplifier 122,the integrated device antenna 124 and the integrated node antenna 126.The battery can also power the wireless device 110 (e.g., phone ortablet). Alternatively, the cellular signal booster 120 can receivepower from the wireless device 110.

In one configuration, the cellular signal booster 120 can be a FederalCommunications Commission (FCC)-compatible consumer signal booster. As anon-limiting example, the cellular signal booster 120 can be compatiblewith FCC Part 20 or 47 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Part 20.21(Mar. 21, 2013). In addition, the handheld booster can operate on thefrequencies used for the provision of subscriber-based services underparts 22 (Cellular), 24 (Broadband PCS), 27 (AWS-1, 700 MHz Lower A-EBlocks, and 700 MHz Upper C Block), and 90 (Specialized Mobile Radio) of47 C.F.R. The cellular signal booster 120 can be configured toautomatically self-monitor its operation to ensure compliance withapplicable noise and gain limits. The cellular signal booster 120 caneither self-correct or shut down automatically if the cellular signalbooster's operations violate the regulations defined in FCC Part 20.21.

In one configuration, the cellular signal booster 120 can improve thewireless connection between the wireless device 110 and the base station130 (e.g., cell tower) or another type of wireless wide area network(WWAN) access point (AP). The cellular signal booster 120 can boostsignals for cellular standards, such as the Third Generation PartnershipProject (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) Release 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12standards or Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE)802.16. In one configuration, the cellular signal booster 120 can boostsignals for 3GPP LTE Release 12.0.0 (July 2013) or other desiredreleases. The cellular signal booster 120 can boost signals from the3GPP Technical Specification 36.101 (Release 12 Jun. 2015) bands or LTEfrequency bands. For example, the cellular signal booster 120 can boostsignals from the LTE frequency bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, and 25. Inaddition, the cellular signal booster 120 can boost selected frequencybands based on the country or region in which the signal booster isused.

The number of LTE frequency bands and the level of signal improvementcan vary based on a particular wireless device, cellular node, orlocation. Additional domestic and international frequencies can also beincluded to offer increased functionality. Selected models of thecellular signal booster 120 can be configured to operate with selectedfrequency bands based on the location of use. In another example, thecellular signal booster 120 can automatically sense from the wirelessdevice 110 or base station 130 (or GPS, etc.) which frequencies areused, which can be a benefit for international travelers.

In one example, the integrated device antenna 124 and the integratednode antenna 126 can be comprised of a single antenna, an antenna array,or have a telescoping form-factor. In another example, the integrateddevice antenna 124 and the integrated node antenna 126 can be amicrochip antenna. An example of a microchip antenna is AMMAL001. In yetanother example, the integrated device antenna 124 and the integratednode antenna 126 can be a printed circuit board (PCB) antenna. Anexample of a PCB antenna is TE 2118310-1.

In one example, the integrated device antenna 124 can receive uplink(UL) signals from the wireless device 100 and transmit DL signals to thewireless device 100 using a single antenna. Alternatively, theintegrated device antenna 124 can receive UL signals from the wirelessdevice 100 using a dedicated UL antenna, and the integrated deviceantenna 124 can transmit DL signals to the wireless device 100 using adedicated DL antenna.

In one example, the integrated device antenna 124 can communicate withthe wireless device 110 using near field communication. Alternatively,the integrated device antenna 124 can communicate with the wirelessdevice 110 using far field communications.

In one example, the integrated node antenna 126 can receive downlink(DL) signals from the base station 130 and transmit uplink (UL) signalsto the base station 130 via a single antenna. Alternatively, theintegrated node antenna 126 can receive DL signals from the base station130 using a dedicated DL antenna, and the integrated node antenna 126can transmit UL signals to the base station 130 using a dedicated ULantenna.

In one configuration, multiple cellular signal boosters can be used toamplify UL and DL signals. For example, a first cellular signal boostercan be used to amplify UL signals and a second cellular signal boostercan be used to amplify DL signals. In addition, different cellularsignal boosters can be used to amplify different frequency ranges.

In one configuration, when the cellular signal booster 120 is a handheldbooster, a phone-specific case of the handheld booster can be configuredfor a specific type or model of wireless device. The phone-specific casecan be configured with the integrated device antenna 124 located at adesired location to enable communication with an antenna of the specificwireless device. In addition, amplification and filtering of the uplinkand downlink signals can be provided to optimize the operation of thespecific wireless device. In one example, the handheld booster can beconfigured to communicate with a wide range of wireless devices. Inanother example, the handheld booster can be adjustable to be configuredfor multiple wireless devices.

In one configuration, when the cellular signal booster 120 is a handheldbooster, the handheld booster can be configured to identify when thewireless device 110 receives a relatively strong downlink signal. Anexample of a strong downlink signal can be a downlink signal with asignal strength greater than approximately −80 dBm. The handheld boostercan be configured to automatically turn off selected features, such asamplification, to conserve battery life. When the handheld boostersenses that the wireless device 110 is receiving a relatively weakdownlink signal, the integrated booster can be configured to provideamplification of the downlink signal. An example of a weak downlinksignal can be a downlink signal with a signal strength less than −80dBm.

In one example, the handheld booster can be designed, certified andproduced in view of a specific absorption rate (SAR). Many countrieshave SAR limits which can limit the amount of RF radiation that can betransmitted by a wireless device. This can protect users from harmfulamounts of radiation being absorbed in their hand, body, or head. In oneexample, when allowable SAR values are exceeded, a telescopingintegrated node antenna may help to remove the radiation from theimmediate area of the user. In another example, the handheld booster canbe certified to be used away from a user, such as in use with Bluetoothheadsets, wired headsets, and speaker-phones to allow the SAR rates tobe higher than if the handheld booster were used in a location adjacenta user's head. Additionally, Wi-Fi communications can be disabled toreduce SAR values when the SAR limit is exceeded.

In one example, the handheld booster can also include one or more of: awaterproof casing, a shock absorbent casing, a flip-cover, a wallet, orextra memory storage for the wireless device. In one example, extramemory storage can be achieved with a direct connection between thehandheld booster and the wireless device 110. In another example,Near-Field Communications (NFC), Bluetooth v4.0, Bluetooth Low Energy,Bluetooth v4.1, Bluetooth v4.2, Ultra High Frequency (UHF), 3GPP LTE,Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a, IEEE802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, or IEEE 802.11ad canbe used to couple the handheld booster with the wireless device 110 toenable data from the wireless device 110 to be communicated to andstored in the extra memory storage that is integrated in the handheldbooster. Alternatively, a connector can be used to connect the wirelessdevice 110 to the extra memory storage.

In one example, the handheld booster can include photovoltaic cells orsolar panels as a technique of charging the integrated battery and/or abattery of the wireless device 110. In another example, the handheldbooster can be configured to communicate directly with other wirelessdevices with handheld boosters. In one example, the integrated nodeantenna 126 can communicate over Very High Frequency (VHF)communications directly with integrated node antennas of other handheldboosters. The handheld booster can be configured to communicate with thewireless device 110 through a direct connection, Near-FieldCommunications (NFC), Bluetooth v4.0, Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetoothv4.1, Bluetooth v4.2, Ultra High Frequency (UHF), 3GPP LTE, Institute ofElectronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ad, a TV White SpaceBand (TVWS), or any other industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radioband. Examples of such ISM bands include 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5GHz, or 5.9 GHz. This configuration can allow data to pass at high ratesbetween multiple wireless devices with handheld boosters. Thisconfiguration can also allow users to send text messages, initiate phonecalls, and engage in video communications between wireless devices withhandheld boosters. In one example, the integrated node antenna 126 canbe configured to couple to the wireless device 110. In other words,communications between the integrated node antenna 126 and the wirelessdevice 110 can bypass the integrated booster.

In another example, a separate VHF node antenna can be configured tocommunicate over VHF communications directly with separate VHF nodeantennas of other handheld boosters. This configuration can allow theintegrated node antenna 126 to be used for simultaneous cellularcommunications. The separate VHF node antenna can be configured tocommunicate with the wireless device 110 through a direct connection,Near-Field Communications (NFC), Bluetooth v4.0, Bluetooth Low Energy,Bluetooth v4.1, Bluetooth v4.2, Ultra High Frequency (UHF), 3GPP LTE,Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a, IEEE802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ad, a TVWhite Space Band (TVWS), or any other industrial, scientific and medical(ISM) radio band. In another example, the handheld booster can beconfigured to determine the SAR value. The handheld booster can beconfigured to disable cellular communications or Wi-Fi communicationswhen a SAR limit is exceeded.

In one configuration, the cellular signal booster 120 can be configuredfor satellite communication. In one example, the integrated node antenna126 can be configured to act as a satellite communication antenna. Inanother example, a separate node antenna can be used for satellitecommunications. The cellular signal booster 120 can extend the range ofcoverage of the wireless device 110 configured for satellitecommunication. The integrated node antenna 126 can receive downlinksignals from satellite communications for the wireless device 110. Thecellular signal booster 120 can filter and amplify the downlink signalsfrom the satellite communication. In another example, during satellitecommunications, the wireless device 110 can be configured to couple tothe cellular signal booster 120 via a direct connection or an ISM radioband. Examples of such ISM bands include 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5GHz, or 5.9 GHz.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary cellular signal booster 200 configuredto amplify uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals of a particularfrequency band using a controller 220. The controller 220 can performgain control, oscillation detection and various other functions. Anoutside antenna 210, or an integrated node antenna, can receive adownlink signal. For example, the downlink signal can be received from abase station (not shown). The downlink signal can be associated with adefined frequency band (e.g., B1). The downlink signal can be providedto a first B1 duplexer 212. The first B1 duplexer 212 can create a B1downlink signal path. Therefore, a downlink signal that is associatedwith B1 can travel along the B1 downlink signal path towards a second B1duplexer 214. After passing the first B1 duplexer 212, the downlinksignal can travel through a series of amplifiers (e.g., A04, A05 andA06) and downlink band pass filters (BPF) towards the second B1 duplexer214. After the downlink signal reaches the second B1 duplexer 214, thedownlink signal has been amplified and filtered in accordance with thetype of amplifiers and BPFs included in the cellular signal booster 200.The downlink signals from the second B1 duplexer 214 can be provided toan inside antenna 216, or an integrated device antenna. The insideantenna 216 can communicate the amplified downlink signal to a wirelessdevice (not shown), such as a mobile phone.

In one configuration, the inside antenna 216 can receive an uplinksignal. For example, the uplink signal can be received from the wirelessdevice. The uplink signal can be associated with a defined frequencyband (e.g., B1). The uplink signal can be provided to the second B1duplexer 214. The second B1 duplexer 214 can create a B1 uplink signalpath. Therefore, an uplink signal that is associated with B1 can travelalong the B1 uplink signal path towards the first B1 duplexer 212. Afterpassing the second B1 duplexer 214, the uplink signal can travel througha series of amplifiers (e.g., A01, A02 and A03) and uplink band passfilters (BPF) towards the first B1 duplexer 212. After the uplink signalreaches the first B1 duplexer 212, the uplink signal has been amplifiedand filtered in accordance with the type of amplifiers and BPFs includedin the cellular signal booster 200. The uplink signal from the first B1duplexer 212 can be provided to the outside antenna 210. The outsideantenna 210 can communicate the amplified uplink signal to the basestation.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary cellular signal booster 300 configuredto amplify uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals using a separate signalpath for each UL frequency band and DL frequency band and a controller340. The controller 340 can perform gain control, oscillation detectionand various other functions. An outside antenna 310, or an integratednode antenna, can receive a downlink signal. For example, the downlinksignal can be received from a base station (not shown). The downlinksignal can be provided to a first B1/B2 diplexer 312, wherein B1represents a first frequency band and B2 represents a second frequencyband. The first B1 /B2 diplexer 312 can create a B1 downlink signal pathand a B2 downlink signal path. Therefore, a downlink signal that isassociated with B1 can travel along the B1 downlink signal path to afirst B1 duplexer 314, or a downlink signal that is associated with B2can travel along the B2 downlink signal path to a first B2 duplexer 316.After passing the first B1 duplexer 314, the downlink signal can travelthrough a series of amplifiers (e.g., A10, A11 and A12) and downlinkband pass filters (BPF) to a second B1 duplexer 318. Alternatively,after passing the first B2 duplexer 316, the downlink can travel througha series of amplifiers (e.g., A07, A08 and A09) and downlink band passfilters (BFF) to a second B2 duplexer 320. At this point, the downlinksignal (B1 or B2) has been amplified and filtered in accordance with thetype of amplifiers and BPFs included in the cellular signal booster 300.The downlink signals from the second B1 duplexer 318 or the second B2duplexer 320, respectively, can be provided to a second B1/B2 diplexer322. The second B1/B2 diplexer 322 can provide an amplified downlinksignal to an inside antenna 330, or an integrated device antenna. Theinside antenna 330 can communicate the amplified downlink signal to awireless device (not shown), such as a mobile phone.

In one example, the inside antenna 330 can receive an uplink (UL) signalfrom the wireless device. The uplink signal can be provided to thesecond B1/B2 diplexer 322. The second B1/B2 diplexer 322 can create a B1uplink signal path and a B2 uplink signal path. Therefore, an uplinksignal that is associated with B2 can travel along the B1 uplink signalpath to the second B1 duplexer 318, or an uplink signal that isassociated with B2 can travel along the B2 uplink signal path to thesecond B2 duplexer 322. After passing the second B1 duplexer 318, theuplink signal can travel through a series of amplifiers (e.g., A01, A02and A03) and uplink band pass filters (BPF) to the first B1 duplexer314. Alternatively, after passing the second B2 duplexer 320, the uplinksignal can travel through a series of amplifiers (e.g., A04, A05 andA06) and uplink band pass filters (BPF) to the first B2 duplexer 316. Atthis point, the uplink signal (B1 or B2) has been amplified and filteredin accordance with the type of amplifiers and BFFs included in thecellular signal booster 300. The uplink signals from the first B1duplexer 314 or the first B2 duplexer 316, respectively, can be providedto the first B1/B2 diplexer 312. The first B1/B2 diplexer 312 canprovide an amplified uplink signal to the outside antenna 310. Theoutside antenna can communicate the amplified uplink signal to the basestation.

In one example, the cellular signal booster 300 can use the duplexers toseparate the uplink and downlink frequency bands, which are thenamplified and filtered separately. A multiple-band cellular signalbooster can typically have dedicated radio frequency (RF) amplifiers(gain blocks), RF detectors, variable RF attenuators and RF filters foreach uplink and downlink band.

In one configuration, the cellular signal amplifier can be a 5-bandbooster. In other words, the cellular signal amplifier can performamplification and filtering for downlink and uplink signals having afrequency in bands B1, B2, B3 B4 and/or B5. In this configuration, thecellular signal amplifier can have three uplink radio frequency (RF)amplifiers and three downlink RF amplifiers for each frequency band,which results in a total of 30 RF amplifiers for the five bands.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary cellular signal booster 400 configuredto amplify uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals using one or moredownlink signal paths and one or more uplink signal paths and acontroller 440. The controller 440 can perform gain control, oscillationdetection and various other functions. The cellular signal booster 400can include a selected number of uplink transmission paths and aselected number of downlink transmission paths.

In one example, the cellular signal booster 400 can include an uplinktransmission path that is communicatively coupled between an outsideantenna UL 410 and an inside antenna UL 412. The uplink transmissionpath can amplify UL signals at a selected frequency band, such as band 1(B1). The uplink transmission path can include a series of amplifiers(e.g., A01, A02 and A03) and uplink band pass filters (e.g., B1 ULBPFs).

In one example, the cellular signal booster 400 can include a firstdownlink transmission path that is communicatively coupled between anoutside antenna DL #1 420 and an inside antenna DL #1 422. The firstdownlink transmission path can amplify DL signals at a selectedfrequency band. The selected frequency band can be band 4 (B4), band 2(B2), band 25 (B25), band 12 (B12), band 13 (B13) or band 5 (B5). Thefirst downlink transmission path can include a series of amplifiers(e.g., A04, A05 and A06) and downlink band pass filters (e.g., B1 DLBPFs).

In one example, the cellular signal booster 400 can include a seconddownlink transmission path that is communicatively coupled between anoutside antenna DL #2 430 and an inside antenna DL #2 432. The seconddownlink transmission path can amplify DL signals at the selectedfrequency band (which is the same frequency band that is associated withthe first downlink transmission path), or at an alternative frequencyband. The second downlink transmission path can include a series ofamplifiers (e.g., A07, A08 and A09) and downlink band pass filters(e.g., B1 DL BPFs).

In one configuration, the controller 440 can perform network protectionin order to protect a cellular network from overload or noise floorincrease. The controller 440 can perform network protection by adjustinga gain or noise power for each band in the uplink transmission pathsbased on data from each band in the downlink transmission paths. Thedata from each band in the downlink transmission paths can include abooster station coupling loss (BSCL) or a received signal strengthindication (RSSI). The controller 440 can perform network protection inaccordance with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ConsumerBooster Rules, which necessitate that uplink signal paths and downlinksignal paths are to work together for network protection. Therefore, ifthe cellular signal booster 400 includes multiple downlink signal chainsand a single uplink signal chain, then each downlink signal chain canrelate to or communicate with the single uplink signal chain for networkprotection purposes.

More specifically, in order to perform network protection, thecontroller 440 can identify a booster station coupling loss (BSCL) foreach band in a selected number of downlink transmission paths. Thecontroller 440 can identify one or more downlink transmission paths thatcorrespond to a minimum BSCL for each band as compared to other downlinktransmission paths in the signal booster 400. The controller 440 canadjust (e.g., increase or decrease) an uplink gain or noise power foreach band in the selected number of uplink transmission paths based onthe minimum BSCL for each band. When noise protection is performed atthe signal booster 400, each band in the signal booster 400 can beadjusted separately. As a result, the signal booster 400 can protect abase station in the cellular network from becoming overloaded withuplink signals from the signal booster 400 that exceed a defined powerthreshold. As a non-limiting example, the controller 440 can reduce theuplink gain for each band on the uplink transmission path when the BSCLis relatively low.

In another example, in order to perform network protection, thecontroller 440 can identify a received signal strength indication (RSSI)for each band in the selected number of downlink transmission paths. Thecontroller 440 can identify one or more downlink transmission paths thatcorrespond to a maximum RSSI as compared to other downlink transmissionpaths in the signal booster. The controller 440 can adjust (e.g.,increase or decrease) an uplink gain or noise power for each band in theselected number of uplink transmission paths based on the maximum RSSIfor each band. As a result, the signal booster 400 can protect a basestation in the cellular network from becoming overloaded with uplinksignals from the signal booster 400 that exceed a defined powerthreshold.

In one example, a first DL path at a first band can be associated with afirst RSSI, and a second DL path at a second band can be associated witha second RSSI. A maximum RSSI value can be identified between the firstRSSI and the second RSSI. The uplink gain or noise power on the ULsignal path at a selected band can be adjusted (e.g., increased ordecreased) based on the maximum RSSI value in order to protect the basestation in the cellular network. For example, the RSSI for each DL pathcan effectively estimate a distance between the cellular signal booster400 and the base station. If the cellular signal booster 400 is locatedrelatively close to the base station, then the RSSI can be relativelyhigh, and therefore, the uplink gain or noise power on the UL signalpath can be reduced for each band in order to protect the base station.If the uplink gain is not reduced, then the base station's noise floorcan be raised and/or the base station can be overloaded with stronguplink signals from the cellular signal booster 400 (i.e., uplinksignals that exceed a defined power threshold). In addition, reducingthe uplink gain can protect the base station's uplink receivesensitivity. In another example, if the cellular signal booster 400 islocated relatively far from the base station, then the RSSI can berelatively low, and therefore, the uplink gain or noise power on the ULsignal path can be increased for each band.

In one configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, each of the uplinktransmission paths and the downlink transmission paths in the cellularsignal booster 400 can be communicatively coupled to a separate set ofantennas. The separate set of antennas for each transmission path canresult in the elimination of various types of components in the frontend of the cellular signal booster 400. These components can includeduplexers, diplexers, splitters, etc. These components can result infront end losses, which are undesirable for the cellular signal booster400. For example, the use of these components can reduce uplink outputpower and/or reduce downlink sensitivity or noise power. Therefore,separating the antennas can eliminate the need for these additionalcomponents, thereby reducing front end losses.

In one example, the multiple signal paths in the cellular signal booster400 can provide multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO)-like benefits. Inother words, the multiple antennas in the cellular signal booster 400can provide multiple signal paths, which can increase signal integrity,a coverage area, data transfer rates and signal sensitivity.

In one example, the selected number of uplink transmission paths in thecellular signal booster 400 does not equal the selected number ofdownlink transmission paths in the cellular signal booster 400. In otherwords, the cellular signal booster 400 can include an uneven number ofsignal chains (e.g., one uplink signal chain and two downlink signalchains). As an example, the cellular signal booster 400 can include anincreased number of downlink signal chains in order to achieve increaseddownlink sensitivity and increased data rates. A larger number ofdownlink signal chains, as compared to the uplink signal chains, can bebeneficial because downlink user traffic can generally be greater thanuplink user traffic. Therefore, rather than combining multiple signalboosters, a single signal booster can combine multiple downlink signalschains with one uplink signal chain.

In one example, the cellular signal booster 400 can include a first setof antennas (e.g., antennas 412, 422, 432) that are operable tocommunicate with an access point (e.g., base station) in a wirelesscommunication network. In another example, the cellular signal booster400 can include a second set of antennas (e.g., antennas 410, 420, 430)that are operable to communicate with a mobile radio device in thewireless communication network.

In one configuration, the cellular signal booster 400 can include asingle uplink antenna and a single downlink antenna, and the cellularsignal booster 400 can have multiple uplink signal paths and/or downlinksignal paths using duplexers or splitters on the front and back ends.For example, a duplexer or splitter can be communicatively coupled tothe single uplink antenna, and a duplexer or splitter can becommunicatively coupled to the single downlink antenna.

In one example, the downlink transmission paths and the uplinktransmission paths can amplify downlink and uplink signals,respectively, at a selected frequency band. Non-limiting examples of thefrequency band can include band 4 (B4), band 25 (B25), band 12 (B12),band 13 (B13) and band 5 (B5). In one example, B4 and B25 can beassociated with a high frequency band, and B12, B13 and B5 can beassociated with a low frequency band.

In one example, the cellular signal booster 400 can include a dualpolarized antenna configured to receive downlink signals from an accesspoint and transmit uplink signals to a mobile radio device. In thisexample, a first signal path (e.g., UL/DL or only UL) can run into afirst port of the dual polarized antenna, and a second signal path(e.g., UL/DL or only DL) can run into a second port of the dualpolarized antenna.

In one configuration, the cellular signal booster 400 can include twodownlink antennas, wherein a first downlink antenna can be polarized at+45 degrees and the second downlink antenna can be polarized at −45degrees. Similarly, the cellular signal booster 400 can include twouplink antennas, wherein a first uplink antenna can be polarized at +45degrees and the second uplink antenna can be polarized at −45 degrees.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary main cellular signal booster 510configured to amplify uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals and asecondary cellular signal booster 540 configured to amplify additionalsignals. The main cellular signal booster 510 and the secondary cellularsignal booster 540 can both be in a single package. For example, boththe main cellular signal booster 510 and the secondary cellular signalbooster 540 can be included in a multi-chain signal booster. Asdiscussed in greater detail below, the secondary cellular signal booster540 can communicate data to the main cellular signal booster 510 for thepurpose of maintaining network protections. The main cellular signalbooster 510 can include multiple transmission paths and a controller530. The controller 530 can perform gain control, oscillation detectionand various other functions.

In one example, the main cellular signal booster 510 can include anuplink transmission path that is communicatively coupled between anoutside antenna UL 520 and an inside antenna UL 522. The uplinktransmission path can amplify UL signals at a selected frequency band,such as band 1 (B1). The uplink transmission path can include a seriesof amplifiers (e.g., A01, A02 and A03) and uplink band pass filters. Inaddition, the main cellular signal booster 510 can include a downlinktransmission path that is communicatively coupled between an outsideantenna DL 524 and an inside antenna DL 526. The downlink transmissionpath can amplify DL signals at a selected frequency band, such as band 1(B1). The downlink transmission path can include a series of amplifiers(e.g., A04, A05 and A06) and downlink band pass filters.

In one example, the secondary cellular signal booster 540 can includeone or more additional transmission paths. For example, the secondarycellular signal booster 540 can include an additional downlinktransmission path. The additional downlink transmission path can becommunicatively coupled between an outside antenna DL #2 542 and aninside antenna DL #2 544. The additional downlink transmission path canamplify DL signals at a selected frequency band, such as band 1 (B1).The downlink transmission path can include a series of amplifiers (e.g.,A07, A08 and A09) and downlink band pass filters.

In one configuration, the secondary cellular signal booster 540 caninclude a controller 550. The controller 550 in the secondary cellularsignal booster 540 can communicate data to the controller 530 in themain cellular signal booster 510, wherein the data includes a boosterstation coupling loss (BSCL) or a received signal strength indication(RSSI).

For example, the controller 550 in the secondary cellular signal booster540 can identify a booster station coupling loss (BSCL) for each band inthe additional downlink transmission path(s). If the secondary cellularsignal booster 540 includes multiple downlink transmission paths, thenthe controller 550 can identify a minimum BSCL for a particular downlinktransmission path with respect to each band as compared to the otherdownlink transmission paths in the secondary cellular signal booster540. The controller 550 in the secondary cellular signal booster 540 cansend the minimum BSCL to the controller 530 in the main cellular signalbooster 510, and the main cellular signal booster 510 can adjust anuplink gain or noise power for each band in one or more uplinktransmission paths in the main cellular signal booster 510 and/or thesecondary cellular signal booster 540. The controller 530 in the maincellular signal booster 510 can adjust the uplink gain or noise powerbased on the minimum BSCL for each band. As a result, a base station inthe cellular network can be protected from becoming overloaded withuplink signals from the signal booster that exceed a defined powerthreshold.

In another example, the controller 550 in the secondary cellular signalbooster 540 can identify a received signal strength indication (RSSI)for each band in the additional downlink transmission path. If thesecondary cellular signal booster 540 includes multiple downlinktransmission paths, then the controller 550 can identify a maximum RSSIfor a particular downlink transmission path with respect to each band ascompared to the other downlink transmission paths in the secondarycellular signal booster 540. The controller 550 in the secondarycellular signal booster 540 can send the maximum RSSI to the controller530 in the main cellular signal booster 510, and the main cellularsignal booster 510 can adjust an uplink gain or noise power for eachband in one or more uplink transmission paths in the main cellularsignal booster 510 and/or the secondary cellular signal booster 540. Thecontroller 530 in the main cellular signal booster 510 can adjust theuplink gain or noise power based on the maximum RSSI for each band.

In one configuration, the controller 550 in the secondary cellularsignal booster 540 can identify the minimum BSCL or the maximum RSSIwith respect to each band in the downlink transmission paths, and thenadjust an uplink gain or noise power for each band in one or more uplinktransmission paths in the secondary cellular signal booster 540 and/orthe main cellular signal booster 510 based on the minimum BSCL or themaximum RSSI.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary main cellular signal booster 610configured to amplify uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals and asecondary cellular signal booster 640 configured to amplify additionalsignals. The main cellular signal booster 610 and the secondary cellularsignal booster 640 can both be in a single package. For example, boththe main cellular signal booster 610 and the secondary cellular signalbooster 640 can be included in a multi-chain signal booster. The maincellular signal booster 610 can include multiple transmission paths anda controller 630. In this example, the main cellular signal booster 610can include a downlink transmission path and an uplink transmissionpath, which are communicatively coupled in between an outside antenna620 and an inside antenna 626. The main cellular signal booster 610 caninclude a first B1 duplexer 622 and a second B1 duplexer 624 to createthe downlink and uplink signal paths, respectively. Moreover, thesecondary cellular signal booster 640 can include an additional downlinksignal path that is communicatively coupled between an outside antennaDL 642 and an inside antenna DL 644. The secondary cellular signalbooster 640 can include a controller 650 that communicates with thecontroller 630 of the main cellular signal booster 610. For example, thecontroller 650 in the secondary cellular signal booster 640 cancommunicate booster station coupling loss (BSCL) or received signalstrength indication (RSSI) data to the controller 630 in the maincellular signal booster 610 for the purpose of maintaining networkprotections.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary handheld booster in communication with amobile device. More specifically, the mobile device can be within ahandheld booster (HB) sleeve. The HB sleeve can include a handheldbooster (HB) antenna. The HB antenna can receive uplink signals from amobile device antenna associated with the mobile device. The HB antennacan transmit the uplink signals to a base station. In addition, the HBantenna can receive downlink signals from the base station. The HBantenna can transmit the downlink signals to the mobile device antennaassociated with the mobile device. In addition, the HB sleeve caninclude a HB battery to power the HB sleeve and/or the mobile device.Furthermore, the HB sleeve can include a HB signal amplifier to amplifydownlink and/or uplink signals communicated from the mobile deviceand/or the base station.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary signal booster 800. The signal booster800 may include a selected number of uplink transmission paths 810. Eachuplink transmission path can be configured to amplify an uplink signalat a selected band. The signal booster can include a selected number ofdownlink transmission paths 820. Each downlink transmission path can beconfigured to amplify a downlink signal at a selected band. The selectednumber of uplink transmission paths 810 in the signal booster 800 maynot equal the selected number of downlink transmission paths 820 in thesignal booster 800.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary multi-chain signal booster 900. Themulti-chain signal booster 900 can include at least one signal booster910 configured to amplify a signal of a selected band. The multi-chainsignal booster 900 can include a device 920 in the signal booster 910configured to report a base station coupling loss (BSCL) or a receivedsignal strength indication (RSSI) to a booster station controller.

Another example provides at least one machine readable storage mediumhaving instructions 1000 embodied thereon for performing networkprotection at a controller of a signal booster, as shown in FIG. 10. Theinstructions can be executed on a machine, where the instructions areincluded on at least one computer readable medium or one non-transitorymachine readable storage medium. The instructions when executed perform:identifying, using the controller in the signal booster, a boosterstation coupling loss (BSCL) or a received signal strength indication(RSSI) for each band of a selected number of downlink transmission pathsin the signal booster, as in block 1010. The instructions when executedperform: identifying, using the controller in the signal booster, one ormore downlink transmission paths that correspond to a minimum BSCL orRSSI for each band as compared to other downlink transmission paths inthe signal booster, as in block 1020. The instructions when executedperform: applying, adjusting, using the controller in the signalbooster, an uplink gain or noise power for each band of a selectednumber of uplink transmission paths in the signal booster based on theminimum BSCL or RSSI for each band, as in block 1030.

EXAMPLES

The following examples pertain to specific technology embodiments andpoint out specific features, elements, or actions that can be used orotherwise combined in achieving such embodiments.

Example 1 includes a signal booster, comprising: a selected number ofuplink transmission paths, wherein each uplink transmission path isconfigured to amplify an uplink signal at a selected band; and aselected number of downlink transmission paths, wherein each downlinktransmission path is configured to amplify a downlink signal at aselected band, wherein the selected number of uplink transmission pathsin the signal booster does not equal the selected number of downlinktransmission paths in the signal booster.

Example 2 includes the signal booster of Example 1, further comprising acontroller operable to perform network protection by adjusting a gain ornoise power for each band in the selected number of uplink transmissionpaths based on data from each band in the selected number of downlinktransmission paths.

Example 3 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 2, whereinthe data from each band in the selected number of downlink transmissionpaths includes a booster station coupling loss (BSCL) or a receivedsignal strength indication (RSSI).

Example 4 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 3, furthercomprising a controller operable to protect a cellular network fromoverload or noise floor increase, the controller configured to: identifya booster station coupling loss (BSCL) for each band in the selectednumber of downlink transmission paths; identify one or more downlinktransmission paths that correspond to a minimum BSCL for each band ascompared to other downlink transmission paths in the signal booster; andadjust an uplink gain or noise power for each band in the selectednumber of uplink transmission paths based on the minimum BSCL for eachband.

Example 5 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 4, furthercomprising a controller operable to protect a cellular network fromoverload or noise floor increase, the controller configured to: identifya received signal strength indication (RSSI) for each band in theselected number of downlink transmission paths; identify one or moredownlink transmission paths that correspond to a maximum RSSI for eachband as compared to other downlink transmission paths in the signalbooster; and adjust an uplink gain or noise power for each band in theselected number of uplink transmission paths based on the maximum RSSIfor each band.

Example 6 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 5, whereinan uplink transmission path is communicatively coupled between a firstantenna and a second antenna.

Example 7 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 6, whereina downlink transmission path is communicatively coupled between a firstantenna and a second antenna.

Example 8 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 7, furthercomprising: one or more first antennas configured to communicate with anaccess point in a wireless communication network; and one or more secondantennas configured to communicate with a mobile radio device in thewireless communication network.

Example 9 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 8, furthercomprising multiple antennas communicatively coupled to at least one ofthe selected number of uplink transmission paths and the selected numberof downlink transmission paths in order to increase data transfer rates,signal integrity, or coverage area.

Example 10 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 9,wherein: an uplink transmission path includes a selected number ofamplifiers and a selected number of band pass filters for a selectedband; and a downlink transmission path includes a selected number ofamplifiers and a selected number of band pass filters for a selectedband.

Example 11 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 10,wherein the signal booster comprises one uplink transmission path andone downlink transmission path, wherein additional downlink transmissionpaths are included in a secondary signal booster that communicates datato the signal booster for maintenance of network protections.

Example 12 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 11,wherein the signal booster and the secondary signal booster are includedin a single package.

Example 13 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 12,further comprising a dual polarized antenna configured to receivedownlink signals from an access point and transmit uplink signals to amobile radio device.

Example 14 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 13,wherein the signal booster is included in a sleeve that is attached to awireless device.

Example 15 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 14,wherein the selected band for the uplink signal and the downlink signalis at least one of: band 4 (B4), band 2 (B2), band 25 (B25), band 12(B12), band 13 (B13) or band 5 (B5).

Example 16 includes a multi-chain signal booster, comprising: at leastone signal booster configured to amplify a signal of a selected band;and a device in the signal booster configured to report a base stationcoupling loss (BSCL) or a received signal strength indication (RSSI) toa booster station controller.

Example 17 includes the multi-chain signal booster of Example 16,wherein the device is configured to communicate the BSCL or the RSSI foreach band in one or more downlink transmission paths in the signalbooster to the booster station controller to enable the booster stationcontroller to adjust a gain or noise power for each band in one or moreuplink transmission paths located in the signal booster.

Example 18 includes the multi-chain signal booster of any of Examples 16to 17, wherein the at least one signal booster includes at least onedownlink transmission path or at least one uplink transmission path.

Example 19 includes the multi-chain signal booster of any of Examples 16to 18, wherein the at least one signal booster includes at least onedownlink transmission path and at least one uplink transmission path.

Example 20 includes the multi-chain signal booster of any of Examples 16to 19, wherein each booster path in the signal booster includes aselected number of amplifiers and a selected number of band pass filtersfor a selected band.

Example 21 includes the multi-chain signal booster of any of Examples 16to 20, wherein each booster path in the signal booster iscommunicatively coupled between a first antenna and a second antenna.

Example 22 includes at least one non-transitory machine readable storagemedium having instructions embodied thereon for performing networkprotection at a controller of a signal booster, the instructions whenexecuted perform the following: identifying, using the controller in thesignal booster, a booster station coupling loss (BSCL) or a receivedsignal strength indication (RSSI) for each band of a selected number ofdownlink transmission paths in the signal booster; identifying, usingthe controller in the signal booster, one or more downlink transmissionpaths that correspond to a minimum BSCL or RSSI for each band ascompared to other downlink transmission paths in the signal booster; andadjusting, using the controller in the signal booster, an uplink gain ornoise power for each band of a selected number of uplink transmissionpaths in the signal booster based on the minimum BSCL or RSSI for eachband.

Example 23 includes the at least one non-transitory machine readablestorage medium of Example 22, wherein the selected number of uplinktransmission paths in the signal booster does not equal the selectednumber of downlink transmission paths in the signal booster.

Example 24 includes the at least one non-transitory machine readablestorage medium of any of Examples 22 to 23, wherein each band of theselected number of downlink transmission paths and each band of theselected number of uplink transmission paths is one of: band 4 (B4),band 2 (B2), band 25 (B25), band 12 (B12), band 13 (B13) or band 5 (B5).

Various techniques, or certain aspects or portions thereof, can take theform of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media,such as floppy diskettes, compact disc-read-only memory (CD-ROMs), harddrives, non-transitory computer readable storage medium, or any othermachine-readable storage medium wherein, when the program code is loadedinto and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomesan apparatus for practicing the various techniques. Circuitry caninclude hardware, firmware, program code, executable code, computerinstructions, and/or software. A non-transitory computer readablestorage medium can be a computer readable storage medium that does notinclude signal. In the case of program code execution on programmablecomputers, the computing device can include a processor, a storagemedium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatilememory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at leastone output device. The volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storageelements can be a random-access memory (RAM), erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), flash drive, optical drive, magnetic hard drive,solid state drive, or other medium for storing electronic data. The lowenergy fixed location node, wireless device, and location server canalso include a transceiver module (i.e., transceiver), a counter module(i.e., counter), a processing module (i.e., processor), and/or a clockmodule (i.e., clock) or timer module (i.e., timer). One or more programsthat can implement or utilize the various techniques described hereincan use an application programming interface (API), reusable controls,and the like. Such programs can be implemented in a high levelprocedural or object oriented programming language to communicate with acomputer system. However, the program(s) can be implemented in assemblyor machine language, if desired. In any case, the language can be acompiled or interpreted language, and combined with hardwareimplementations.

As used herein, the term processor can include general purposeprocessors, specialized processors such as VLSI, FPGAs, or other typesof specialized processors, as well as base band processors used intransceivers to send, receive, and process wireless communications.

It should be understood that many of the functional units described inthis specification have been labeled as modules, in order to moreparticularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, amodule can be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising customvery-large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays,off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or otherdiscrete components. A module can also be implemented in programmablehardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmablearray logic, programmable logic devices or the like.

In one example, multiple hardware circuits or multiple processors can beused to implement the functional units described in this specification.For example, a first hardware circuit or a first processor can be usedto perform processing operations and a second hardware circuit or asecond processor (e.g., a transceiver or a baseband processor) can beused to communicate with other entities. The first hardware circuit andthe second hardware circuit can be incorporated into a single hardwarecircuit, or alternatively, the first hardware circuit and the secondhardware circuit can be separate hardware circuits.

Modules can also be implemented in software for execution by varioustypes of processors. An identified module of executable code can, forinstance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computerinstructions, which can, for instance, be organized as an object,procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identifiedmodule need not be physically located together, but can comprisedisparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joinedlogically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purposefor the module.

Indeed, a module of executable code can be a single instruction, or manyinstructions, and can even be distributed over several different codesegments, among different programs, and across several memory devices.Similarly, operational data can be identified and illustrated hereinwithin modules, and can be embodied in any suitable form and organizedwithin any suitable type of data structure. The operational data can becollected as a single data set, or can be distributed over differentlocations including over different storage devices, and can exist, atleast partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.The modules can be passive or active, including agents operable toperform desired functions.

Reference throughout this specification to “an example” or “exemplary”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment ofthe present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in an example”or the word “exemplary” in various places throughout this specificationare not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials can be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the presentinvention can be referred to herein along with alternatives for thevarious components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments,examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as defactoequivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate andautonomous representations of the present invention.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics canbe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In thefollowing description, numerous specific details are provided, such asexamples of layouts, distances, network examples, etc., to provide athorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled inthe relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can bepracticed without one or more of the specific details, or with othermethods, components, layouts, etc. In other instances, well-knownstructures, materials, or operations are not shown or described indetail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of thepresent invention in one or more particular applications, it will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be madewithout the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing fromthe principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is notintended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims setforth below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A signal booster, comprising: a selected numberof uplink transmission paths, wherein each uplink transmission path isconfigured to amplify an uplink signal on a selected band; and aselected number of downlink transmission paths, wherein each downlinktransmission path is configured to amplify a downlink signal on aselected band, wherein one or more of the selected number of uplinktransmission paths or the selected number of downlink transmission pathsinclude multiple parallel signal paths that are redundant for a sameselected band, and are configured to be used simultaneously to achievean increased data transfer rate, wherein the signal booster includesseparate antenna ports for each of the multiple parallel signal pathsthat are redundant for the same selected band, wherein the separateantenna ports are configured to be communicatively coupled to separateantennas.
 2. The signal booster of claim 1, further comprising acontroller operable to perform network protection by adjusting a gain ornoise power for each band in the selected number of uplink transmissionpaths based on data from each band in the selected number of downlinktransmission paths.
 3. The signal booster of claim 2, wherein the datafrom each band in the selected number of downlink transmission pathsincludes a booster station coupling loss (BSCL) or a received signalstrength indication (RSSI).
 4. The signal booster of claim 1, furthercomprising a controller operable to protect a cellular network fromoverload or noise floor increase, the controller configured to: identifya booster station coupling loss (BSCL) for each band in the selectednumber of downlink transmission paths; identify one or more downlinktransmission paths that correspond to a minimum BSCL for each band ascompared to other downlink transmission paths in the signal booster; andadjust an uplink gain or noise power for each band in the selectednumber of uplink transmission paths based on the minimum BSCL for eachband.
 5. The signal booster of claim 1, further comprising a controlleroperable to protect a cellular network from overload or noise floorincrease, the controller configured to: identify a received signalstrength indication (RSSI) for each band in the selected number ofdownlink transmission paths; identify one or more downlink transmissionpaths that correspond to a maximum RSSI for each band as compared toother downlink transmission paths in the signal booster; and adjust anuplink gain or noise power for each band in the selected number ofuplink transmission paths based on the maximum RSSI for each band. 6.The signal booster of claim 1, wherein: an uplink transmission path iscommunicatively coupled between a first antenna and a second antenna; ora downlink transmission path is communicatively coupled between thefirst antenna and the second antenna.
 7. The signal booster of claim 1,further comprising: one or more first antennas configured to communicatewith an access point in a wireless communication network; and one ormore second antennas configured to communicate with a mobile radiodevice in the wireless communication network.
 8. The signal booster ofclaim 1, further comprising multiple antennas communicatively coupled toat least one of the selected number of uplink transmission paths and theselected number of downlink transmission paths in order to increase oneor more of: data transfer rates, signal integrity, or coverage area. 9.The signal booster of claim 1, wherein: an uplink transmission pathincludes a selected number of amplifiers and a selected number of bandpass filters for a selected band; and a downlink transmission pathincludes a selected number of amplifiers and a selected number of bandpass filters for a selected band.
 10. The signal booster of claim 1,further comprising a dual polarized antenna configured to receivedownlink signals from an access point and transmit uplink signals to theaccess point.
 11. The signal booster of claim 1, wherein the signalbooster is included in a sleeve that is attached to a wireless device.12. The signal booster of claim 1, wherein the selected number of uplinktransmission paths in the signal booster does not equal the selectednumber of downlink transmission paths in the signal booster.
 13. Thesignal booster of claim 1, wherein the selected number of uplinktransmission paths in the signal booster is equal to the selected numberof downlink transmission paths in the signal booster.
 14. The signalbooster of claim 1, wherein the uplink signal and the downlink signalare communicated in at least one of: band 4 (B4), band 2 (B2), band 25(B25), band 12 (B12), band 13 (B13) or band 5 (B5).
 15. A multi-chainsignal booster, comprising: at least one signal booster configured toamplify a signal of a selected band; and a device in the signal boosterconfigured to report a base station coupling loss (BSCL) to a boosterstation controller, wherein the at least one signal booster includes aselected number of uplink transmission paths or a selected number ofdownlink transmission paths that include multiple parallel signal pathsthat are redundant for a same selected band and are configured to beused simultaneously to achieve an increased data rate, wherein themulti-chain signal booster includes separate antenna ports for each ofthe multiple parallel signal paths that are redundant for the sameselected band, wherein the separate antenna ports are configured to becommunicatively coupled to separate antennas.
 16. The multi-chain signalbooster of claim 15, wherein the device is configured to communicate theBSCL or a received signal strength indication (RSSI) for each band inone or more downlink transmission paths in the signal booster to thebooster station controller to enable the booster station controller toadjust a gain or noise power for each band in one or more uplinktransmission paths located in the signal booster.
 17. The multi-chainsignal booster of claim 15, wherein each booster path in the signalbooster includes a selected number of amplifiers and a selected numberof band pass filters for a selected band.
 18. The multi-chain signalbooster of claim 15, wherein each booster path in the signal booster iscommunicatively coupled between a first antenna and a second antenna.19. The multi-chain signal booster of claim 15, wherein the selectednumber of uplink transmission paths does not equal the selected numberof downlink transmission paths.
 20. The multi-chain signal booster ofclaim 15, wherein the selected number of uplink transmission paths isequal to the selected number of downlink transmission paths.
 21. Atleast one non-transitory machine readable storage medium havinginstructions embodied thereon for performing network protection at acontroller of a signal booster, the instructions when executed performthe following: identifying, using the controller in the signal booster,a booster station coupling loss (BSCL) for each band of a selectednumber of downlink transmission paths in the signal booster;identifying, using the controller in the signal booster, one or moredownlink transmission paths that correspond to a minimum BSCL for eachband as compared to other downlink transmission paths in the signalbooster; and adjusting, using the controller in the signal booster, anuplink gain or noise power for each band of a selected number of uplinktransmission paths in the signal booster based on the minimum BSCL foreach band, wherein one or more of the selected number of downlinktransmission paths or the selected number of uplink transmission pathsinclude multiple parallel signal paths that are redundant for a sameselected band and are configured to be used simultaneously to achieve anincreased data rate, wherein the signal booster includes separateantenna ports for each of the multiple parallel signal paths that areredundant for the same selected band, wherein the separate antenna portsare configured to be communicatively coupled to separate antennas. 22.The at least one non-transitory machine readable storage medium of claim21, wherein the selected number of uplink transmission paths in thesignal booster does not equal the selected number of downlinktransmission paths in the signal booster.
 23. The at least onenon-transitory machine readable storage medium of claim 21, wherein theselected number of uplink transmission paths in the signal booster isequal to the selected number of downlink transmission paths in thesignal booster.
 24. The at least one non-transitory machine readablestorage medium of claim 21, wherein each band of the selected number ofdownlink transmission paths and each band of the selected number ofuplink transmission paths is one of: band 4 (B4), band 2 (B2), band 25(B25), band 12 (B12), band 13 (B13) or band 5 (B5).